Are you prepared for winter driving?

Wintertime in Minnesota leads to the most crashes and poses safety risks and hazards. The League is pleased to offer additional Winter Driving courses for our members through NEOGOV Safety Training:

• Winter Driving Safety
• Winter Driving: Braking and Special Considerations
• Winter Driving: Comprehensive
• Winter Driving: Trapped or Stranded Vehicles
• Winter Driving: Travel Planning and Techniques
• Winter Driving: Weather Conditions & Preparations

NEOGOV Safety Training offers over 200 online training courses covering a wide variety of safety topics that is affordable, convenient, and engaging safety training for your employees. If you’re already a registered user with NEOGOV, you can access the web-based training courses. The League has a page with additional information and how to get started.

Slow down, stay alert, and keep calm.

Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant

Beware of Unsafe Ice on Retention Ponds and Rivers

As the Minnesota winter begins to set in with residents and municipal workers out on the ice, there is the renewed concern of falling through into the water. Retention ponds and rivers are especially concerning and are untrustworthy no matter how safe the ice may look. Bringing awareness to this for city employees and citizens should be a point of emphasis each winter.

The strength of ice on retention ponds and rivers is questionable because of several factors, including constant water level changes, daily temperature changes, and water flowing under ice. Agitation pumps placed in ponds can weaken the ice above as well. Snow on top of these bodies of water will cover up any obvious signs of weak ice and create a false sense of security. The recommendation is that any ice less than 4 inches thick should not be walked on.

An unkept retention pond is designed to fail, so regular inspections and removal of debris or sediment is a must. These bodies of water also bring liability concerns such as drowning, require continuous maintenance and planning, and can be very expensive to maintain. Swimming, fishing, skating or other activities on or in the pond should not be allowed under any circumstances.

Prevent severe accidents by reminding citizens and workers of these hazards. Posting signage that warns everyone to stay off the body of water due to unsafe ice and including reminders of who to contact in emergency could potentially save a life. In November, a nine-year-old boy in Illinois fell through the ice while retrieving a football. A woman who saw the accident entered the pond in attempt to save him, and they both almost drowned before police were able to rescue them. If it weren’t for a witness who called police, there easily could have been a different outcome to this story.

Other References:

Valley News Live - Residents reminded to stay off iced over retention ponds and Sheyenne River

Spectrum Association Management - What is a retention pond?

City of Jacksonville, FL - Retention Pond Safety

Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant

Now is the time to make sure your home heating system is working properly

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

It’s winter in Minnesota, and that means stay inside to stay safe and warm. But are you sure you’ll be safe or warm? It depends on the condition of your home’s heating system. 

If you heat with any carbon-based fuel, natural gas, LP gas, heating oil, wood or other, your system generates carbon monoxide (CO). CO is part of the normal operation of burning fossil fuels, but it can also be deadly.  

CO has no odor, is invisible, and is slightly lighter than air, so it floats. It is dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the air and is more easily absorbed by red blood cells than oxygen. Even low levels of CO can cause serious health effects over time. High or low levels of CO can even lead to death.

But CO is not the only hazard in home heating. According to the National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association, each year there are around 50,000 fires involving heating equipment in the U.S. These fires result in approximately 500 deaths and 1,300 injuries. Heating equipment causes about 14% of all home fires each year, and about half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February.

What does this mean for you? It means you might want to contact a qualified, insured home heating specialist to inspect and test your furnace, wood burner and chimney, or other heating systems (including your hot water heater). Landlords, consider the same for your tenants. 

Along with a safety inspection of the heating appliances in your home or apartment complex, here are some other tips for home heating safety:

·         Install smoke detectors:

o   On each floor of a dwelling

o   In hallways or corridors that provide access to bedrooms

o   Inside bedrooms

·         Install carbon monoxide detectors (when carbon-based heating devices are installed):

o   On each floor of a dwelling

o   Within 10 feet of each sleeping room

·         Avoid space heaters, if possible

·         If space heaters must be used, be sure they are:

o   UL listed

o   In good working order

o   Equipped with an automatic shut off for tip-over safety

o   Turned off while sleeping or when you leave the room

o   At least 3 feet away from any flammable items such as clothing, bedding, or paper

·         Never use kerosene or LP gas space heaters indoors

·         Test the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO detectors every month

·         Teach everyone in your home how to properly use a fire extinguisher

·         Practice fire drills and know your escape route and reunification area (drills are not just for   school kids!)

Be safe this winter! Whether in your own home or in city-owned rentals and apartments, follow these safety precautions to save lives and property.

I encourage you to reach out to your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant if you have any questions about fire prevention and safety or if you would like additional resources.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

·         National Fire Protection Association Fire Safety Toolkit

·         U.S. Fire Administration FEMA Heating Fire Safety

·         CenterPoint Energy Natural Gas Appliance Safety

·         First Alert

 Stay safe — and help someone else stay safe, too!

 

Submitted by Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Calling wastewater treatment facilities!

Do you know of a municipality or perhaps your own, that has a strong safety program within their wastewater utility? Each year, the Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA), Minnesota section, offers recognition opportunities for individuals or organizations that are doing great work. This year, they are working hard to find a candidate for the George W. Burke, Jr. Facility Safety Award.

What is the CSWEA George W. Burke, Jr. Facility Safety Award?

Established in 1983, this award is given in recognition of active and effective safety programs in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities. This award recognizes a wastewater treatment facility based on the documented and illustrated safety program and safety record of the facility for the preceding calendar year.

To submit nomination, go to CSWEA Awards. The nomination is technically due by December 1st, but can be extended as needed.

Is it safe to use space heaters?

Odds are someone in your office or workspace has already fired up their space heater. “It’s chilly in here” is the best reason to do it. More than likely the unit will run safe and do its intended job; after all, most modern space heaters are compact electric units with overheating protection and automatic “tip-over” protection built in. Furthermore, the unit is probably UL listed or has some similar designation.

So why am I writing this blog about heaters? Because every year portable heaters cause millions in fire damage and increase the threat to human life. Yep, that little heater under your desk. In fact, Minnesota Department of Health reminds us that not only is there a direct risk of fire from the heating element of the unit, but also an increased risk of fire due to overloading the building’s electrical system and the circuit used to power the unit. For this and other reasons, the Minnesota State FireMarshal’s Facebook page has provided these guidelines for portable heater use:

• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Plug space heaters directly into outlets, not power strips.
• Do not warm clothes on space heaters.
• Do not sleep with space heaters on.
• Keep anything combustible three feet from a space heater.

Here are a few more considerations:

• Follow your city use policy. If your city has a policy against any or all portable heaters, don’t use them.
• If your city requires permission from maintenance staff ask for permission because they may be able to offer alternative solutions.
• Be sure the cord is in good condition.
• Do not use heaters in high traffic areas where they or their cords can become a trip hazard.
• Never use unvented combustible gas or liquid fuel heaters indoors.

What about in the shop? Need some quick heat in the work bay or near the floor while working on something in the shop? Be mindful of what else is nearby. Gasoline, for example, produces ignitable vapors that are three to four times heavier than air and can travel for great distances along the ground. Gas vapors tend to accumulate in low or enclosed spaces. Use of an open flame heater in this environment is highly dangerous. 

Read the owner’s manual for the heater you plan to use. Most liquid fuel heaters are not designed to be used indoors. Always follow the manufacturer’s intended use.

Along with the obvious fire or explosion hazard of using liquid fuel heaters (LP, #2, Kerosene, etc.), be mindful of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. We all know CO is odorless and colorless — and deadly. It is generated by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Unless you have CO detection in the shop, there is no way to know the CO level. This seems like a good time to mention the warning signs of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

If you are feeling any of these flu-like symptoms or notice your coworkers’ exhibiting signs, immediately get yourselves to fresh outdoor air and call 911 for help.

The first signs of chilly weather always result in space heaters being fired up. Followed quickly by the first reports of fires, or worse, injury or death caused by their use. Don’t be a statistic. Talk to your maintenance department about improving the indoor comfort of your office or workspace by use of the building’s HVAC system rather than portable heaters when possible. If a space heater is your only option, select a modern unit with safety features that prevent fire and CO illness, select the right one for your application, and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Oh, and turn it off when you’re not at your workstation, for safety and energy conservation. The question is, “Is it safe to use of space heaters?” The answer is “yes” if you follow good safety practices.

If you have questions about the safe use of space heaters or want to talk about any safety related questions or concerns, contact your League of Minnesota Cities Loss Control Consultant. We’re here to help.

Additional Resources:

1. https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/infobulletins/ib02_16.html
2. https://www.facebook.com/StateFireMarshal/photos/a.211377991209/10158574365006210/?type=3
3. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/for-families/Documents/Fact%20sheets/Alternative-heating-fact-sheet.pdf
4. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/PortableHeaterSafety.ashx
5. https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.pdf

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Equipping employees with first aid, CPR skills can save lives

The Minnesota Safety Council is putting on fall/winter courses to train employees how to respond to an unexpected crisis using first aid, CPR and AED. These trainings are convenient and affordable for cities to send employees to, with classes available at multiple locations and customized for your organization’s specific needs. In addition to these trainings, there is an option for an employee to take an instructor development course, so that individual can learn the skills needed to provide in-house training to other employees.

These first aid/CPR/AED trainings are engaging and lifesaving content that meet the latest CPR and first aid guidelines, as well as OSHA requirements. Participants will learn needed and useful skills that could potentially save a life or deescalate a life-threatening situation. They will become well-versed in recognizing a medical emergency and taking correct actions to sustain life until medical professionals arrive. They will also learn how to identify and care for bleeding, injuries, and unexpected illness, as well as how to prevent disease transmission in these situations.

You never know when an emergency will strike, and it could make a massive difference having an employee (or multiple employees) who are trained to respond to a very dangerous and scary situation.

Referenced Links:

Training at your location 

Instructor development courses 

Submitted by:  Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant

City of Lakeville’s New Mechanical Truck Makes Trash Collection More Efficient

Trash collection — we do this almost daily in our homes, apartments, and sometimes at work. We don’t often think about the weight of the cans or how the trash gets dumped into the truck. Most of us just take a bag of garbage and toss it into a can, roll it to the curb, and put the can away when it’s empty.

Large trash companies have improved safety for their staff, improved ergonomics to reduce injuries, and greatly improved efficacies with automated processes versus manual operations. But  that brings up the question: Why are large companies making these improvements, but our municipalities still doing manual dumping?

All our cities are different, be it their size, population, budget, or staffing levels. But one thing is for sure, all cities have to deal with trash of some type. At city hall it may get put in a can like at home and rolled to the curb. It could be placed in a dumpster and hoisted into a trash truck, but I’m willing to bet we all have parks with trash cans. Depending on the size of your community, you may have multiple parks, and I’m willing to bet many trash cans.

The City of Lakeville recently improved their trash process with a mechanical truck that dumps all their trash cans with a single employee, greatly reducing staff time, staff injuries, and increasing efficiency.

New Parks Mini Garbage Truck - July 2022

Submitted by: Troy Walsh, Loss Control Consultant 

CDC Loosens COVID-19 Restrictions

It looks like COVID-19 is here to stay, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is acknowledging it by loosening its restrictions.

The most noticeable change is the removal of its quarantine recommendation — individuals are no
longer advised to quarantine following close contact exposure to COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status, in instances where they do not experience symptoms or test positive for the disease.

The CDC stresses these points:

• Instead of quarantining, individuals exposed to COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day five.
• The isolation-related recommendations for individuals who test positive or have COVID symptoms largely remain the same. Regardless of vaccination status, individuals should isolate from others when they test positive (for at least five days based upon individual risk category) and should wear a high-quality mask for at least 10 days. Also, if an employee has symptoms, they should get tested and isolate while they are awaiting test results. If the results are negative, isolation can end.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised or had a moderate or severe COVID illness (evidenced by difficulty breathing or hospitalization) should isolate for 10 days or potentially even longer, based on the advice they receive from healthcare providers.
• An individual should restart the isolation period if the COVID symptoms worsen or reappear, even if their initial isolation period has ended.
• Screening performed via testing of asymptomatic people without known exposures will no longer be recommended in most community settings, including all non-healthcare workplaces.

To update policies, cities may wish to remove quarantine periods for employees with close contact exposure but no symptoms. Cities that wish to be more (or less restrictive) than CDC or Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidance should consult their city attorney prior to implementing such a policy.

Additional references:

MDH - What to Do if You Have Had Close Contact with a Person with COVID-19

MDH - Close Contacts and Quarantine: COVID-19

CDC - Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19

 

Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant

Consider The Risk And Responsibility: Youth Employees And Interns Riding In City Vehicles

When your city team seeks to hire and employ temporary seasonal labor and interns, be aware of the risks associated with hiring minor employees and the responsibility of protecting them from any exposure to child sexual abuse. This responsibility also applies to youth participating in city programs.

For example, one point of concern is when youth ride in cars with adult city employees. By definition, a minor is anyone under the age of 18 years old. It’s important to remember that a “minor intern” still equals “child” for liability purposes. Having youth ride along in a vehicle with an adult staffer to help at remote locations away from city hall may not be the best practice.

Guidelines and training for your staff

If your city is hiring adult staff to work with youth programs, you are responsible for protecting minors in this context as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guidelines on preventing child sexual abuse within youth-serving organizations. 

Here are the components of child sexual abuse prevention that your city should know and practice:

1. Screen and select the best possible people for staff and volunteer positions, and screen out individuals who have sexually abused youth or are at risk to abuse.
2. Provide guidelines on interactions between individuals to ensure the safety of youth in their interactions with employees/volunteers and with each other.
3. Monitor behavior to prevent, recognize, and respond to inappropriate and harmful behaviors and to reinforce appropriate behaviors.
4. Ensure safe environments to keep youth from situations in which they are at increased risk for sexual abuse.
5. Respond quickly and appropriately to (1) inappropriate or harmful behavior, (2) infractions of child sexual abuse prevention policies, and (3) evidence or allegations of child sexual abuse.
6. Provide training on child sexual abuse prevention to give people information and skills to help them prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

It’s an uncomfortable topic, but sexual molestation claims can be a significant concern for cities, municipal insurers, and reinsurers. With thoughtful planning, cities can succeed in creating a safer place for youth.

Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant

High Winds and Tree Damage: Welcome to Summer 2022 (Part 2 of 2)

In my last post I asked if it seemed windier than normal this spring. Now I’m wondering, “Does it seem hotter this year than normal?” As I write this post, the thermometer outside my window reads 103 degrees! Welcome to summer 2022.

In this part of 2 of two posts about high winds and tree damage, we will discuss safety issues surrounding tree trimming and removal, and I’m going to sprinkle in a little message about working in the heat, too.

 As discussed in the last post, we’ve identified damaged trees, or perhaps trees that just need maintenance. Trimming and maintaining healthy trees is dangerous work; removing or trimming damaged trees is much worse. You must consider several additional factors such as powerlines, traffic, and sometimes the public as they stroll along the boulevard. We can’t possibly cover every aspect of safely cleaning up damaged trees in a short blog, so let’s quickly review the hot button issues and you can follow the links for additional training and safety ideas. 

From a regulatory and enforcement standpoint

• The U.S. Department of Labor standard 29 CFR 570 requires chainsaw operators be over 16 years of age. 
• OSHAstandard 1910.266 – Logging Operations governs safe operations and employee safety requirements. 

Training
Understand chainsaw operation and the hazards involved in tree trimming and removal. The videos linked below from High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety are great starting points for saw operation and safety. 

• How to Use a Chainsaw Safely Part 1
• How to Use a Chainsaw Safely Part 2

Personal Protective Equipment
Minnesota Statutes, Section 182.655 Subdivision 10a requires employers to provide necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) to employees. This includes, at a minimum:

• Hard hat
• Face shield/eye protection
• Hearing protection (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95)
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Protective chaps or pants
• Cut-resistant footwear

Learn more about PPE in this “Chainsaw use and OSHA Compliance” article from MCIT Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust

Additional chainsaw safety training links:

• OSHA-funded PowerPoint on chainsaw safety basics
• U.S.Agriculture Safety and Health Centers video library
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Working Safely with Chainsaws
• University of Minnesota “Safety Requirements for Chainsaws, Chippers, and Brush Cutters” publication 

Working from heights
Maintaining trees and clearing damaged trees often requires working from heights, which may include using ladders, bucket trucks or “cherry pickers,” or other methods to gain access.

OSHA standard 1910.26 governs the use of ladders in the workplace, while CFR 1926.500
provides governance for general working from heights.  

Click here for a sample of a model fall protection plan.

Working in hot weather conditions
It goes without saying that storm damage recovery and clean-up may require employees to work in hot weather conditions. Recall that OSHA has a National Emphasis Program directive for workers exposed to hot working environments. Read this recent LMC Pipeline blog post for an outline on this standard and how to comply. When possible, schedule regular tree maintenance during cooler weather conditions.

Public safety or scene safety
We all do it — after a storm we go for a walk or a drive to see “how bad it was.” It’s human nature to be curious. So, as you and your staff embark on storm clean up, be mindful of residents who may be out for a stroll. Be sure to cordon off areas of heavy damage. Cones or safety tape may be adequate in some areas, but police, fire, or public safety staff may be needed for high hazard zones such as downed power lines or heavily damaged buildings or infrastructure. Create safe work zones that prevent unauthorized people from entering the work zone.

 As I mentioned, there is no way to cover every aspect of tree maintenance and removal in one (not so) short blogpost. Trees are a beautiful resource and provide enjoyment in countless ways. But when they have been damaged in a storm, they can also provide countless hazards. As part of your city’s emergency management plan, consider your response to damaged trees. For good starting point to emergency management, read this article from the March/April edition of Minnesota Cities by Christina Benson, a research attorney with the League of Minnesota Cities.

Additional resources are also available from your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant.  We can help with job hazard analysis, additional safety resources, toolbox talks, and more. 

As always: please work safe. So many people are depending on you.

 

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Property Preservation and Dumpsters

When we think about dumpsters and trash cans we don’t typically think of them as a safety hazard. In fact, we keep them close because nobody likes to drag a trash bag across the street or carry a heavy trash can very far. But what happens when these containers catch fire?  

Nothing good, as a recent news story from a downtown commercial area in Minnesota reminds us.

It's difficult to know what is being thrown away daily, or what the public puts into dumpsters. We know all too well that sometimes dumpsters and trash cans are used incorrectly and contain items that should not be disposed of. In addition, many times dumpsters and trash cans are positioned just outside the back door of a building for easy access or due to space limitations. This is a bad combo.

Dumpsters should be kept a minimum of 50 feet from any building and, if possible, secured. The security will discourage misuse of the dumpster, but more importantly the distance could keep a dumpster fire from becoming a structural fire that damages property and puts lives at risk.

Submitted by: Troy Walsh, Loss Control Consultant

High Winds and Tree Damage: Welcome to Summer 2022 (Part 1 of 2)

“Does it seem windier this year than normal?” I think this has been the most asked question so far in 2022. Ok, I have no real proof that this was the most asked question so far this year. But just like it seems windier, this seems like the most asked question!

The truth is, we had a very windy spring. Statewide there were four days in April with winds in excess of 50 mph, according to Minnesota Public Radio. April is our windiest month in Minnesota with typical wind gusts easily in the 40 mph range and average windspeeds blowing about 11 mph (this year it was 13 mph). What’s that got to do with safety? Tree damage.

We’ve all seen it this year. Broken branches, broken trees, even toppled trees with whole root systems heaved out of the ground. In this blog we’ll discuss best practices for, and the importance of, monitoring and maintaining trees, and the need to quickly respond to reports of damage from your coworkers and your community. 

Tree claims and city responsibilities

At the 2022 Loss Control Workshops members of our claims staff presented on tree claims and the city’s roles and responsibilities regarding trees on city property and in rights of way. Materials from that presentation are available on the flash drive participants received. A key take-away from that presentation is the importance of tree maintenance.

To minimize claims and improve tree health, cities should implement a regular inspection and maintenance program. Regular inspection and maintenance activities include staff or qualified contractors visually inspecting trees for obvious signs of distress:

• Cracks in the tree trunk or the branches
• Broken or hanging branches
• Decayed areas
• Cavities
• Shredded, stripped, or peeling bark
• Loss of leaves 
• Root damage
• Leaning trees
• Fallen limbs
• Roots pulling out of the ground or appearing where they weren’t before

An inventory should be targeted at gathering data in areas where people and property could be injured or damaged by a tree. Determination of risk level is a professional judgment that should be carefully documented. Further documentation should be kept for all community-reported damage or complaints and the city’s follow-up to these reports. 

All areas with tree cover are hazard zones, however, obvious priorities exist at parks, golf courses, or busy pedestrian areas such as boulevards.

Resources for assessing your city’s trees:

• Tree risk assessment form from the International Association of Arborists (pdf)
• Municipal evaluation sheet from the U.S. Forest Service

Rapid response is needed

Regardless of how you learn of damaged trees or tree hazards, how you respond to them is critical. For the safety of your community, and to help reduce your city’s liability exposure, a rapid response is needed. Best practices include:

• Providing a reporting system for people to report hazardous trees (several free platforms are available).
• Training staff on the importance of tree safety and response time to community reports.
• Training staff on safe operations when dealing with damaged trees.
• Documenting your inspections and your responses.

Remember, tree hazards can be difficult to identify. They may come in the form of broken branches, tipping or leaning trees, decayed or hollow trunks, even roots that encroach sidewalks and cause trip hazards. Be mindful of these risks and have a plan to safely manage them. For more information on your city’s responsibility for maintaining safe trees, contact your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant.

Next week’s blog post will cover best practices for safely removing damaged trees or tree parts. Meanwhile, please work safely, a lot of people depend on you.

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Slips Happen: Preventing Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

When it comes to managing accidents, the attitude towards slips, trips, and falls (ST&F) incidents are mistakenly often viewed as unavoidable events. Afterall, in Minnesota “we come from the land of the ice and snow” (quoting a famous Led Zeppelin lyric). However, by taking the attitude that ST&F events are inevitable you are missing a big opportunity to keep people safe and improve your workers’ compensation claim results.

From a loss severity standpoint, consider that on the average approximately one-third of the workers’ compensation gross-incurred claim dollars for city office and public works employees in Minnesota is from ST&F events. From a frequency standpoint, about 30% of all WC claims are ST&F events. Even if you’re a small city with very few claims, consider that a single ST&F WC event can many times exceed $25,000. Cities should also manage ST&F general liability events occurring on city property. Even though cities have statutory immunities that may limit a city’s financial exposure from public ST&F events, one of a city’s essential functions is public safety for those it serves.

Here are a few things that your city team should be doing to reduce injuries and loss from ST&Fs: 

‘An accident waiting to happen’

The first step in reducing ST&F events is to make sure your staff is reporting close calls or near-misses that did not actually result in a claim. Often there is a condition present or oversight in a process that created the ST&F event. The last thing you want to hear after a severe ST&F event is for another employee to say that they too had a close call in that location and that it was “an accident waiting to happen.” Make sure your safety committee encourages employees to report all incidents even if no injury occurs so you have an opportunity to evaluate the area.

High traffic areas

If you play the odds, then the next step in preventing ST&F events is to inspect high traffic areas starting with building entrances and access routes. People are funneled through this concentrated area and if there is an adverse condition at an entrance, then the odds of a city incurring a ST&F event are greatly increased. Check to see if the floor is level with slip resistant surfacing. If rugs are present, are they being monitored to make sure they remain flat throughout the day? Is the surface on the outside of the entrance level with a 1:48 gradual slope away from the building? If there are downspouts or scuppers shedding water from the roof, is it discharging the water in areas away from entrances and walkways?

Another area where frequent ST&F events occur is in parking lots. You should inspect the lots for potholes and proper drainage. Low spots in parking lots with standing water can freeze and be camouflaged after a light coating of fresh snow.

Safety training

Finally, incorporate ST&F topics in the safety training program. Set guidelines about what types of footwear are acceptable for employees in various departments, including office staff. Employees should be reminded on maintaining three points of contact both on ladders and when entering vehicles. Hand-holds and steps on vehicles should be inspected to make sure they are present and in good condition. Consider having your city participate in OSHA’s volunteer safety Stand-Down events held each spring. The Safety Stand-Down event is an opportunity for employers to talk directly to employees about safety with a focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention.

Preventing ST&F events is not always complicated, but it does require a concerted effort. Remember, ST&Fs don’t “just happen.”

Submitted by: Joe Gehrts, Senior Loss Control Consultant 

Stay up-to-date on proposed changes to OSHA hazard communication standards

OSHA.gov

OSHA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in February 2021 on updating the hazard communication standard to align with Revision Seven of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA has been planning on updating this “HazCom” standard since 2018, yet their efforts have been delayed until recently. Since the public can finally see the proposed changes, we can begin to estimate the impacts the new standards will have.

It is important to remember these rule changes are only in the proposal stage, so only time will tell which standards will and will not end up being adopted. With that in mind, here is a quick summary of these proposed standards.

New proposed classifications:

• Aerosols – Non-flammable aerosols will now be under a newly-created category three, while flammable aerosols will be categories one and two. OSHA realized the current classification doesn’t fully represent the full spectrum of varying aerosol hazards.
• Desensitized explosives – Proposed adding of a new fourth category for desensitized explosives. Hazard training should cover desensitized explosives and what makes them explosive.
• Flammable gas – Proposed subdivide of category one into two sub-categories (1a and 1b). Mainly so there aren’t distinctions between gasses with a wide range of flammable properties.

Other proposed revisions:

• New labeling provisions for “small” and “very small” containers.
• Updates to select hazard and precautionary statements for more precise information.
• Updates to labeling requirements for packaging containers “released for shipment.”
• Labels for bulk shipments of hazardous chemicals.
• Inclusion of trade secrets on Safety Data Sheets.
• Updates to Safety Data Sheet section two – hazard identification.
• Potential changes associated with revision eight.

To wrap up the biggest takeaways, this NPRM is possibly the first significant update to the HazCom standard since 2012. This hits the distributors and manufactures of the hazardous chemicals the hardest. They will most likely have to re-evaluate the standards on products they sell or import and make necessary adjustments. Many safety data sheets and labels will need to be re-authorized to reflect the possible new classifications to ensure compliance. Again, these standards are in the process of being finalized, so make sure to stay updated on which changes are adopted and how they will affect your workplace moving forward.

Submitted by:  Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant

OSHA’s new heat safety directive and key points for cities

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) in April to reduce heat-related hazards and resulting injuries and illness caused by excessive heat in the workplace. This article will provide you with the basic information you’ll need to know and give you quick access to additional information. 

Many of you are probably already following this directive — much of it is common sense. But it’s a good reminder of how to prevent heat-related injuries and illness. Remember, heat stress can happen indoors too. 

Let’s look at the key points of the NEP.

At a glance:

• The NEP is a nationwide initiative modeled on existing Regional Emphasis Programs (REP) in southern states.
• It applies to indoor and outdoor workers where the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• There will be unannounced on-site visits by compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) who will “observe workers performing strenuous work in heat.”
• Visits may occur based on heat-related complaints, referrals, and reported heat illness. 

Employers should:

• Create a written plan to prevent heat-related illness.
• Provide awareness training to employees.
• Provide specific steps to prevent, identify, and treat heat-related illnesses.
• Identify and control heat hazards.
• Monitor workforce health and consider the current heat index and expected weather-related changes.
• Provide water, rest, and shade. For workers with two-hour or greater exposure times, fluids containing electrolytes must also be accessible.
• Recognize early symptoms of heat stress.
• Administer first aid for heat-related illnesses.
• Activate emergency medical services quickly when needed. WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911.

Who is affected by heat exposure:

• Park and recreation employees
• Golf course employees
• Maintenance and public utility employees
• Police
• Firefighters                                        
• Roof maintenance workers (especially hot tar)
• Employees working indoors around heat-producing equipment in kitchens,
  boiler rooms, or welding
• Any employee wearing non-breathable or heavy PPE hazmat, turnout gear, etc.

A handy heat reference

Let’s summarize by saying again, most of you are already doing this: Plan your work in accordance with the weather, allow for more frequent and longer breaks in the air-conditioned truck or at least in the shade, drink extra water or a sports drink, keep an eye on each other, and if you or someone else is showing symptoms of heat stress, get help! And if in doubt, call 911.

Last thing to remember, heat-related safety is in the palm of your hand. Literally. Yep, there’s an app for that. The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool includes everything you need including current local weather, a heat index calculator, diagnosis information, and treatment steps for heat illness. Go to https://www.osha.gov/heat/heat-app or the app store of your iPhone or Android and download the “OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool.”

Resources for training and more

Overview of the standard, impact, rationale, and more (OSHA) 
Overview of prevention of heat-related illness (OSHA) 
Overview of treatment and first aid (OSHA)  
Additional resources and technical information (OSHA)
Guide for employers (OSHA) 
Upcoming public meeting info (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
Remembering Tim: A life lost to heat illness at work

Training videos (free from LMCIT via CoastalFlix):
Safety Matters: Heat Stress 
TAKE TWO...for Safety A new T.A.K.E: heat stress
Pause for Performance: Heat Stress Safety 
Heat Stress: Code Red 

Be cool. Work safe.

Submitted by:  Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant  

Public Works Week

It's Public Works Week, and that means around the state, cities and residents are celebrating all of the things you do to keep our cities functioning. We at the League of Minnesota Cities would like to once again than you for taking care of our streets, sidewalks, water, wastewater, and parks. Thank you for keeping our cities running smoothly day in and day out. We appreciate you!

Golf Course Readiness: Seasonal Labor

Is your seasonal golf course ready for business? How about your staff?

Some of your employees will return from last year, but some may be new hires. According to the federal Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all employees have a right to a safe work environment. These same employees deserve to be, and are required to be, trained in the hazards associated with their job. This includes full-time, year-round employees, as well as part-time and seasonal workers. 

MNOSHA mandates training for employees in all types of work. This could be basic safety awareness training such as Employee Right-to-Know (ERTK), A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program, or more job-specific training such as certified equipment operator training.

If your employees are handling your chemical application of herbicides, pesticides, and/or fertilizers, these folks may require additional specialized training including respiratory protection fit tests. Don’t forget to verify that your applicators have active application licensure (active and up to date). 

Often overlooked are your cooking and service staff. Best practices and certain city or county laws may require proper food handler/food safety training. In addition, employees engaged in alcohol service should be trained in alcohol server awareness.

Your membership in the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust provides you with resources to meet these training requirements. Whether you need assistance with bloodborne pathogens or chainsaw safety, building and walkway safety audits, or safety team materials such as toolbox talks, we can help.

Here are a few links and resources that may be helpful for your golf course staff training and licensing needs:

• Food and Beverage Service Licensing Statutes, Licenses required; Fees
• Food and Beverage Service Licensing Qualifications and Responsibilities
• Department of Health Food Safety Resource Materials (print/posters) 
• ServSafe Training and Certification
• TIPS Alcohol Server Training and Certification
• MN Dept. of Agriculture Golf Course Pesticide Applicator Requirement 
• University of Minnesota Golf Course Superintendent Phosphorus Certification

If you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact your League representatives. 

Loss Control assistance General phone: (651) 281-1200 Toll-free: (800) 925-1122

Submit a question to HR & Benefits staff through (please include your name, title, city name, and question) hrbenefits@lmc.org.

 

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Lift Station Safety and a Common Question

 “Are we required to have safety nets over our pump access hatch openings?”

This is a question I have heard several times in my short tenure with the League of Minnesota Cities. It may be phrased in several ways. 

“Really, I’m supposed to have nets over my inspections hatches?!”

Or

“Are nets required or can I use my temporary manhole guards?”

The answer to all these questions is “YES.”

According to MNOSHA standard 29 CFR1926.502(c) any opening into which a person could walk (or fall) must be guarded. The specific requirements of the guard system can be found clearly and understandably within the language of the standard. In general industry the fall height of 4 feet or more requires guarding, in construction that height (or depth) is 6 feet.

So, what constitutes “guarded”? The short answer is permanent railings, temporary railing systems, mesh net systems, or expanded steel type grates. Once again, a web search of the standard will provide details you need to be compliant.

“How about fall arrest systems? A lanyard or retractable device?” The answer is “maybe.” In this case the first thing to remember is that the pit you are guarding is a confined space, so the primary goal is to keep people out of the area, not dangling safely above it. So, if you are following the two-person method of confined space entry and you have the proper rescue equipment and an attendant, then a lanyard may meet OSHA’s standard. However, consider the risk associated. What if the lanyard is longer than the distance to the surface of the wastewater? How about air quality for the entrapped person while the attendant retrieves them? Suddenly lanyards are not an acceptable option. Preventing a person from toppling into the hole should be the goal.

So in the end, take a look at your access hatches. Are there guard rails or safety nets installed? If not, consider applying for an OSHA safety grant to update your facilities today before you or a coworker is in up to their necks!

Samples of acceptable systems:

Photos courtesy of  Hillsborough County Water Resources Department

Resources:

OSHA fall protection standard

MNOSHA Safety Grant online application

Hillsborough County Wet Well Dilemma
Article from the Florida Water Resource Journal 

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

Time to get your playgrounds ready for spring

As the snow melts and the puddles dry, your parks and playgrounds will become popular places once again. The League of Minnesota Insurance Trust (LMCIT) has a few tips to help you prepare for the change in seasonal use.

Safety reminders for staff   
As your employees begin clean-up duties, remind them to work safely. Consider the personal protection equipment (PPE) needs of the job. Certainly, gloves are a must to prevent hand injuries such as cuts or puncture wounds. High-visibility vests or clothing should also be worn. Talk to your folks about situational awareness on the job: oncoming vehicles, changes in walking conditions, etc. It’s also a good time to review your city’s policy on earbuds and headphones.

Make a list as you go
As employees are out and about cleaning and picking up trash, have them make a physical list of items that need attention. Using a Playground Inspection Checklist can assist in documenting your inspection and can be used by management to create a “to-do” list. High-hazard issues should be addressed and documented right away.

Focus on landing surfaces
Keep in mind that about 70% of all playground injuries are a result of ineffective or insufficient soft landing surface materials. The League of Minnesota Cities has several resources available to help you determine if your playground meets general safety and ADA standards.

ADA compliance depends on proper surface materials. Acceptable surfaces include poured-in-place rubber, tiles, engineered wood fiber, or hybrid surface systems. More information on these surfaces can be found in the U.S. Access Board’s ADA play surface guidelines (pdf). 

LMCIT endorses the use of ADA-compliant materials for playground surfaces. However, we also understand that some playgrounds are still waiting to update for various reasons. In cases where you are relying on other forms of loose fill materials, be sure that substrates are where they belong and have an adequate effective thickness (generally 12”, but this may vary depending on your equipment).

Playground and park safety should be a priority for your staff. Using the suggestions in this article and some basic best practices, you can provide safe and enjoyable recreation to your community. Your League of Minnesota Cities staff can help! Contact your loss control consultant, or call (800) 925-1122 to be connected with the loss control consultant in your area.

Additional resources:

Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety (pdf) 

Institute for Human Centered Design ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities (doc)  

Safe 2 Play Playground Safety Inspection Checklist (pdf)

League of Minnesota Cities Parks and Recreation Loss Control Guide

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant

FMCSA phishing scam alert

Important message from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

FMCSA has been notified of a phishing scam that you may receive from the FMCSA “Assistant of Administration” claiming you need to “complete your most recent up-to-date membership License certificate.” If you receive any suspicious email from info@fmcsa.dot.gov or any other entity that you are not expecting or looks suspicious, please delete the email from your inbox. Once the email has been deleted, go into your deleted mail and delete it from your deleted mailbox. Doing this will limit the exposure of the phishing email.

Note that the only legitimate way to log in to the Training Provider Registry is via login.gov. Never enter your email address and password into a third-party website claiming to give you access to the Training Provider Registry. 

How can I tell if a website is an official government website? 

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Check the URL for https://
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

If you believe your city has already experienced a data breach or other cyber/privacy liability, contact LMCIT claims staff immediately at (800) 925-1122.

Can your city afford to skip a spring roof inspection?

Ahh, that sweet smell of spring! Spring brings beautiful flowers, warm weather, and potential problems with the roofs on your city buildings. The Minnesota winters of snow, rain, wind, and ice can take a toll on roofs, and you’ll want to make sure they keep you dry during summer storms. The warmer weather makes it easier and safer to inspect your roof and gutters and determine what needs to be done to get them back in good condition. Read below to find out what you should include in your spring roof maintenance.

Clean gutters and inspect downspouts

The first thing in your spring roofing inspection checklist is to get to work on your gutters and downspouts. Harsh winter weather can fill your gutter system with leaves, tree limbs, moss, and garbage. A blocked drainage system leads to overflows and structural damage, so it’s vital to clean it out each spring. Additionally, loose sections of the gutter should be secured, and damaged sections should be replaced right away.

Damaged downspouts can cause water leaks around your building. Make sure that you check your downspouts for damage from tree branches or ice dams and prune the tree branches hanging over your roof.

Inspect roof exteriors

A thorough inspection of the roof during the spring is a must. Your spring roofing inspection checklist must cover the following aspects:

• Damaged/missing shingles, cracks, tears, leaks.
  Take a note of missing, damaged, or worn-out shingles and ensure that you replace them immediately. A missing or damaged shingle can cause a water leak and, if not fixed, can damage the interiors of your building. For flat roofs, inspect scuppers, drains, penetrations, HVAC unit doors, and edge metal. Repair cracks, tears, and leaks. Make repairs to damaged portions of the roof as soon as possible to prevent them from causing even greater damage to your building.
• Mold growth.
  While doing a roofing inspection, actively look for signs of mold. If caught early, this can keep mold from seeping into the foundation of your building and save you from major issues. If you notice mold has spread over a large area, call your roofing professional for a thorough inspection.
• Damaged skylights.
  Inspect the seals around your skylights closely and make sure there is no damage to the roofing surface. If the seals are falling apart the chances of water leaks increase over time.
• General wear and tear.
  Look out for general wear and tear on your roof like loose or exposed nails, missing or damaged flashings, missing caulk, rusty metal flashings, and sagging areas. If you notice any of these conditions, make sure you get necessary repairs and replacements done so that your roof continues to protect your buildings.

Inspect roof interiors

Once you have thoroughly examined the exteriors of your roof, it is time to check the interiors for any damage, especially in the attic area. Grab a flashlight, or any other light, and inspect all the spaces in your attic for signs of water leaks or ventilation issues. In addition, look for water stains, cracks, and settling of foundation on interior walls and ceilings.

Protect your city investment by performing routine roofing maintenance and inspections. When you catch potential problems early, you prevent some bigger roof repairs and costly interior damage. You can even push roof replacements further into the future. It also gives you the opportunity to budget for big repairs or replacements early on, buying you time to save up for them.

Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant